Sunday, October 16, 2011

Fun Runs for a Cause

This summer has been filled with lots of excitement and busyness. One of the things that I have really gotten into is the fun runs. Fact is, I wish that I could have been involved in a whole lot more. There used to be a time that I was training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, a training program to get you in shape for a half or full marathon where you earn $1000 or more towards finding a cure for blood cancers. During that time, I was involved in a lot of races, and to tell you truth, I loved it! I loved the thrill of running (or actually jogging in my case) and being a part of something bigger than myself. Every single race that I have been a part of has raised money for something. Whether it was for a race to fight blood cancer or breast cancer, they are all the same. They are all fighting something. Trying to beat something. Doing their very best to bring out the best in people. To unite them for a common cause. And to get them out from behind their desks or off their couches and onto their feet to start getting a little exercise. 'Cause heaven knows, we could all use a little exercise! =)

In the beginning, I signed up for the Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure. I was so excited! I haven't been able to do that one for a few years. I am a huge advocate in the fight against breast cancer since it runs in my family and it is so prevalent. And then something terrible happened. I got sick. That put a damper on things. I had to call my friend the night before the race and cancel on her. I felt terrible!!! But, these things happen and she forgave me.

Later in the summer, I signed up for The Women's Fitness Celebration with my sister Emily as part of the team Barbie Gurlz. Yes, I had to swallow my pride for that one. I dearly love my sister, so I made the sacrifice and became a Barbie for one day only. The last time I participated in this race, I went with my mom and it was pouring rain and freezing! This time the sun was shining and it was actually quite nice and warm outside. What a beautiful day for a race. Emily brought accessories and we dressed up. It was so much fun! I love my sister! Here is a picture of us in all our glory.

Then in October, Alex and I signed up for the Light the Night Walk sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We walked in honor of our friend Jamie (who was part of our team) who is a survivor of Leukemia and is such an amazing person. (She's the friend I ditched for the Race For the Cure.) It was really rainy and cold, but such a great night; and what an honor to be able to be there with Jamie. Alex and I were also able to raise and donate a bunch of money to help fight blood cancer. Here's a picture of us at the race. (Sorry about all the toilets...)

Alex has a soft spot for blood cancer since he and Jamie went to college together. He even signed up for bone marrow donation because of her. And because of that was chosen, this past summer, to be a bone marrow donor to a woman with Lymphoma. We were sad that it did not go through (and I sure the lady with Lymphoma probably felt the same way), but it was such a neat experience just learning about the whole bone marrow donation process. It's something that I would encourage anyone who is able to become a part of. It's no small thing to save another person's life. What a miracle we've each been given. The gift of life.